REMARKABLE POLITICAL PROGRESS

Outgoing UK envoy 'hopes handshake lives beyond 2022'

Hailey has served as High Commissioner to Kenya since November 2015, to be replaced in September

In Summary

• He says the truce has stabilised the country and given Kenya a name globally. 

• He shows disappointment over the trend of public servants remaining in office even after being charged with crimes. 

ODM chief Raila Odinga and outgoing British High Commissioner Nic Hailey during a farewell call on July 16
STABLE NATION: ODM chief Raila Odinga and outgoing British High Commissioner Nic Hailey during a farewell call on July 16
Image: COURTESY

The outgoing British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey has hailed “the remarkable political progress” that has taken place since the handshake. 

He was speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy call to ODM chief Raila Odinga to bid him farewell. 

He expressed hope that the reality and spirit of the truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga live with the country into 2022 and beyond.

 

“It[handshake] has stabilised the country and given Kenya a name globally as a place where leaders can look beyond personal ambitions and interests,” Hailey said.

Raila lauded his remarks, saying he will work with the President to help the country hold discussions on important national issues in a stable political atmosphere. 

The High Commissioner has, however, shown disappointment over the trend of leaders and public servants remaining in office even after being charged with crimes.

He said the implicated individuals should be forced to vacate.

“It makes the work of the prosecutors extremely difficult when the accused remains in office to interfere with evidence and witnesses. We find it extremely difficult to transact business with such officers. This is something the country needs to address,” Hailey added.

Raila has appealed to the UK government to work with Kenya in addressing corruption and tracing stolen public funds.

Hailey has served as a British High Commissioner to Kenya from November 2015.

 

He will be replaced by anti-terrorism expert Jane Marriott effective September.

Marriott is a career diplomat who started out in Foreign and Commonwealth office in 2001 after serving in the country's Cabinet and home office.

The 43-year-old has served in various capacities in Kabul (Afghanistan), Al-Amar (Iraq) and Baghdad as an advisor to the coalition forces combating terrorism. 

Edited by R.Wamochie 

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